Kilauea - Big Island Lava Flow Directions, Puna or County Side

To get to the lava flow from the county or Puna side of it, here's the directions:

From Kona, get to Hilo or Volcano Village by your desired road, then follow directions below. Going Waimea way or going Volcano Village way will both take about the same amount of time. Waimea way is an easier drive. Volcano Village way is not a hard drive but there are plenty of curves in the early part of it. If you go volcano village way you could make a stop at Punaluu Black sand beach if you wanted to.

From Volcano Village, come down Hwy 11, and turn right on Hwy 130 in the Keaau area. From Hilo, go up Hwy 11, and turn left on Hwy 130 in the Keaau area.

Follow Highway 130 to the very end - don't make the left to go to Kalapana, just follow it to the barricades and that is where the new road, which is just a gravel, bulldozed road, is.

This will take about 30 - 35 minutes from Keaau.

The county road is typically open from 5 to 10, with the last car allowed in at 8. Wear jeans and closed, rugged shoes (if you fall down the old lava will tear up exposed skin). Bring a flashlight. Bring water. Bring binoculars if you have them.

Here's a post with pictures from the last time I went out. That was when the surface flows just started on this side again, so there won't typically be that many people unless something exciting happens.

Here's the County Website on this road. Click through to their FAQ to see the current complete data on opening and closing times and safety.